By ADAM ZAGORIA
New Fordham coach Kyle Neptune continues to rebuild his roster through the transfer portal.
The Rams on Friday add 6-foot-5, 185-pound Penn State guard D.J. Gordon, who chose Fordham over Kent State and Western Michigan, among others.
“I will be taking my talents to Fordham,” the Pittsburgh native told ZAGSBLOG ahead of his public announcement.
“I like the coaching staff. A lot of the reason is behind [assistant] coach [Keith] Urgo. Me and coach Urgo had a great relationship at Penn State, he was one of the main reasons I committed to Penn State and then him getting the job at Fordham made me feel safer with him just because I know who he is and the things that we’ve been through this past year at Penn State and I already know his vision.
“And even coach Kyle Neptune, I just trust those guys. There’s a lot of Penn State connection between those two as well with coach Chambers, so I feel like that’s the right decision. Also Fordham is a great academic school, it’s like Penn State. I also want to graduate and get my degree from there as well and I feel like they’ll help me take my game to the next level and get to where I want to get to.”
Gordon initially committed to Penn State in October 2019 over Pittsburgh, Providence, Minnesota, VCU and Iowa. He then opted to transfer in the wake of the coaching change this offseason at Penn State that brought in Micah Shrewsberry.
Gordon had minimal stats last season while playing in just six games for the Nittany Lions, but believes he can help the Rams move up in the Atlantic 10.
“I’m going to come in and be a scorer, great defender, just come in and get to work and help the team get to the next level,” Gordon said. “With going to Fordham, it will be a fresh start. We’re not worried about years past and what happened at that university. I feel like I’m looking for a fresh start as well and I feel like this can be the best option for me.”
Gordon joins Florida International transfer Antonio Daye Jr. and incoming point guard Ahmad Harrison among Neptune’s new recruits.
“It’s fresh start for DJ because he gets to the opportunity to come in and compete for minutes and I think both parties win because of the familiarity factor,” First Love coach Khayree Wilson said. “Coach Urgo recruited and coached him at Penn State last year. I think the style of play that Coach Kyle wants to bring to Fordham is a perfect fit for DJ.”
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